Sunday, December 22, 2013

#Dinovember

"Why do we do this? Because in the age of iPads and Netflix, we don’t want our kids to lose their sense of wonder and imagination. In a time when the answers to all the world’s questions are a web-search away, we want our kids to experience a little mystery. All it takes is some time and energy, creativity, and a few plastic dinosaurs." -These awesome parentsInspired by a blogpost (see above link), I decided to introduce Dinocemberinto my classroom. We had a two week dinosaur unit, and I had Thanksgiving break to buy some dinosaurs, and decorate my room. Needless to say, my students LOVED the dinosaurs. I was originally a little nervous about the set up remaining untouched for the benefit of my afternoon kiddos, but I put up some caution tape, and my students only needed a couple of reminders to look, but not touch. They were actually surprisingly respectful, given that they often feel entitled to touch and take anything and everything in my classroom (much to my chagrin). They came in each day wondering where they would be next, and asking me how they got there (I don't know, they had all night to figure it out). They were sad Monday morning last week, when the dinosaurs had disappeared. So, without further ado, I present to you the 10 Days of Dinocember in Room 9B:

Day 1

Lego structure credit: my mom.

Day 2

My kiddos LOVE playing doctor. This day was a huge hit.

Day 3

Who doesn't love writing on white boards?

Day 4

This may have been my favorite, but I also love reading, and love children's lit.

Day 5

Lincoln Logs house credit: a 3rd grader who was helping out in my room after school.

Day 6

My after school helpers told me I should be an artist when they saw my drawing. Well, the dinosaurs' drawing.

Day 7

Making messes, but also raising money for our school! Good work, T-Rex.

Now I have a year to try to wash the paint off my dinosaurs, for a fresh new Dinocember 2014!

Dinocember was definitely a success--even though it kept me at school a little later than my usual way too late, it was totally worth it. I wish I had a week off in between every unit so I could do something special for every theme. Maybe each year I'll add something new, as I become more comfortable and efficient in my teaching, but for now, Dinocember was enough.

And now, I have three weeks off for winter vacation, and though that will include a day or two in my classroom working, it will mostly be recharging for a fresh start. Goodness knows I need one to survive this year with some form of sanity left over. Yes, I have never felt more ready for a break, but I will miss my students. (And they may even miss me--I have students say they'll miss me over a weekend, or even on a random mid-week day! Kindergarteners can be darn cute when they choose to be!)